APPROVE VILLAGE AT LAGUNA HILLS

When the Laguna Hills Mall opened in 1973, it was on the vanguard of a new movement in retail shopping. Through the late 70’s, the 80’s and even the early 90’s, “the mall” was where we’d meet – friends, family and neighbors. We called it “retail therapy” and it was a big part of our lives.

But soon online shopping began to take over and friends would just as soon hang out on social media platforms than at the mall. One by one stores began closing and it became clear that in order to survive, the Laguna Hills Mall would need a revitalization, a rebrand and – most importantly – a re-envisioning as to what it could be.

The proposed Village at Laguna Hills is what our community needs as we once again lead the way into the next 20-30 years. A destination location where we can not only shop, but dine, relax and enjoy ourselves. For too long, Laguna Hills residents have had to look north to the Spectrum, south to the Outlets or east to the Kaleidoscope. We want and need a quality hometown entertainment location to keep our tax revenue here in Laguna Hills.

The benefits of the Village at Laguna Hills are pretty overwhelming:

During a time of high unemployment, this project will create about 8,000 jobs
- 3,000-plus during construction
- 3,500-plus permanent retail, office and hospitality jobs
- 1,500-plus indirect jobs that come from a new community with new residents looking to spend money in Laguna Hills
$22 million that will go to upgrading Laguna Hills parks and other community benefits.
Significantly high tax revenue to the city through higher property tax, more sales tax, and about a half-million dollars each year from visitors to the hotel through TOT tax.
This is new revenue that the City of Laguna Hills will receive that will come from neighboring residents who shop and dine at the Village at Laguna Hills or from Laguna Hills residents who don’t have to travel outside the City to enjoy a night out.
A 2½-acre community park plus more than ten acres of additional open space.

A new movie theatre, new retail shops, new restaurants and a new destination location for Laguna Hills residents

The concerns about the Village at Laguna Hills seem pretty manageable:

Traffic – studies show the traffic is within the expected range for the Urban Village Specific Plan.
Residential Unit Density – 50 per acre. This is specified and allowed for within the Urban Village Specific Plan.

Dear Mayor Pezold,

The residents and businesses of Laguna Hills have long awaited a revitalization of the Laguna Hills Mall. Now we have it with the proposed Village at Laguna Hills. It re-envisions this space for the 21st century and includes not only retail, but entertainment and dining, office space, a boutique hotel, open space and even a residential community.&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;Because it is freeway adjacent, the residents and visitors to this new South County destination will be able to travel to and from the Village at Laguna Hills with minimal impact on our quality of life. But the benefits to the City and its taxpaying residents are significant!&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;• A 2.5-acre park in the heart of the Village, which can be used for community gatherings, non-profit fundraisers, concerts in the park and other city events.&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;• More than $22 million to the City to upgrade existing city parks and other community features.&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;• A new revenue stream for sales tax and TOT tax to the city to enhance public safety, parks and other public city services.&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;• Thousands of jobs at a time when unemployment in California is near an all-time high.&#13;&#10;&#13;&#10;• A self-sustaining walkable village where residents will be able to live, work and shop all within this community ecosystem.

I Support Village at Laguna Hills because... *

The project will protect the taxpayers and bring millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the City The city can use the tax revenue generated by this project to add police and fire protection as well as improve our parks. The project will help the City comply with State housing regulations Today’s Laguna Hills Mall is in need of revitalization It’s freeway adjacent Other

PLEASE VOTE YES!

I encourage you to vote YES when this project comes before you later this spring. Thank you for your consideration of this needed community enhancement.

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Laguna Hills

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The Hon. Don Sedgwick, Mayor Pro Tem&#13;&#10;The Hon. Janine Heft, Council Member&#13;&#10;The Hon. Bill Hunt, Council Member&#13;&#10;The Hon. Dave Wheeler, Council Member

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